By Steve Schwartz
President, Lion Apparel
This week, June 14-20, marks the 2009 Fire/EMS Safety, Health and Survival Week as recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters. The year’s theme, “Protect Yourself: Your Safety, Health and Survival Are Your Responsibility,” reflects the need for personal responsibility and accountability in helping shape a strong safety culture in the U.S. fire service.
While there are many actions that fire-service leaders and departments can implement to maximize safety, health and survival of their first responders, there is no doubt that the economic crisis will hinder many of those plans in the coming year.
A recent survey sponsored by the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company shows the bleak reality that many fire departments across the country will face in the coming months in light of declining budgets and staff reductions.
Key points in the survey’s findings show that the majority of fire departments believe the economic crisis will affect their ability to serve their communities. In addition, more than fifty percent feel that funding of their departments is not sufficient and they are already lacking the appropriate equipment and training to do their jobs.
These are realities that city and local governments must face in the coming months as they decide how to manage through the economic crisis.
Protecting the budgets of public safety organizations — whether it be firefighters, EMS personnel or police officers — should rank at the top of the priority list. The potential impact to the general public is too great to ignore.
Steve Schwartz is president, CEO and fourth-generation family owner of Lion Apparel, a 110-year-old, family owned business and the world’s largest supplier of structural firefighting personal protective equipment.